Embracing Country: Indigenous Language Learning for Year 7

At St Joseph's College, we believe education is most powerful when it connects students to the world around them – its history, its people and its stories. We are proud to announce that in Semester 2, our Year 7 students will take part in a trial Indigenous Language Program, delivered as part of their Language classes.

Importantly, this program does not begin from scratch. It grows from a strong foundation. Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing have been meaningfully embedded across our curriculum for a number of years now. This language trial represents the next step in that journey – a deepening of something already woven into the fabric of our College.

This initiative reflects our College's enduring commitment to reconciliation and to honouring the rich cultural heritage of the Yorta Yorta people, on whose Country our College stands. Learning an Indigenous language is far more than an academic exercise –it is an act of deep respect, a bridge between cultures and an opportunity for our young people to develop a genuine understanding of the world's oldest living cultures.

What Will the Program Involve?

The trial will be woven into the existing Year 7 Language curriculum across Semester 2. Students will be introduced to foundational elements of the local Indigenous language – including greetings, place names and words connected to the natural world. The program has been developed in close consultation with local Elders and community members, whose guidance and knowledge are central to its integrity and authenticity.

Alongside language learning, students will explore the stories, traditions and deep connection to Country that give the language its meaning and context. This holistic approach ensures that language is never taught in isolation, but always understood as a living, breathing expression of culture and identity.

Building on What We've Already Begun

Our College's engagement with Indigenous education has been growing steadily over recent years. From the ways we acknowledge Country, to the stories and perspectives integrated into our classroom learning, we have been intentional in ensuring our students understand and appreciate the depth of First Nations culture and history.

This language program is a natural extension of that work. Rather than a stand-alone initiative, it is one more layer of a commitment that is already alive and growing in our school community.

Why This Matters

Australia is home to one of the world's most extraordinary collections of languages – many of which have survived thousands of years but now face the very real risk of being lost. At St Joseph's, we see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to play a meaningful part in the preservation and celebration of this remarkable heritage.

For our students, this program offers something that goes well beyond the classroom. It builds empathy, deepens cultural understanding and nurtures the kind of open-hearted curiosity that we hope will stay with them long after they leave our College. It also aligns beautifully with our Brigidine values – particularly our call to act with justice, to welcome others with hospitality and to approach the world with wonder.

A Community Effort

Programs like this do not happen without the generosity and trust of the community. We extend our sincere gratitude to Aunty Vicki, local Elders, and community representatives who have shared their time, their knowledge and their language with us. Their involvement is not incidental – it is foundational.

We warmly invite families to speak with their children about what they are learning, to ask questions and to engage with this journey alongside them. Learning about Country is something that enriches everyone.

We look forward to sharing more updates as the program unfolds and we hope this trial marks the beginning of something lasting and meaningful for our entire College community.

Lisa Saillard

Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

Celebrating 140 years of St Joseph's College